Leonard Douglas (Len) Miller

January 11, 1927 - February 23, 2008

Joined Our Club May 23 1970

We lost a good Friend and a fine Rotarian when Len Miller passed away on Saturday February 23, 2008.  Len's chair at the old-timers' table has been empty for the past few months as he battled health problems.

Len started his lifelong career in the bakery business at the street level - delivering Forex bread door to door with horse and wagon in Saskatoon when in his late teens. Len always gave the horse most of the credit for his success on the streets of Saskatoon;  his horse knew the route and just where to stop and just when to move on.  The Forex Bakery became part of McGavins and Len was transferred to Calgary as Sales Manager in the late fifties.  He rose to Regional Manager and later Vice-President of McGavins before his retirement.  Len always loved his job and was eager to take on special projects for McGavins after his retirement - he described the projects as "jobs nobody wanted to do."  Finally her retired for good to devote his time to puttering in the garden and "spending more time reading the paper."

Jack Barberie introduced Len to Our Rotary Club in 1970.  Jack was the manager of General Bakeries which eventually amalgamated with McGavins; Len took over the company when Jack retired.  He served as Bulletin Editor in 1974-1975 winning the award for the Best Bulletin in the District.  Len was a Club Director from 1980 to 1982.  Len and Iris loved Rotary mixed bridge - he served on the Committee and as Chairman several years.  Although their bridge styles were very different, Len and Iris were most gracious bridge hosts in their charming home.  They also curled for about ten years until deciding that the cold wasn't to their liking.  He tried golf but didn't take to the game and gave his clubs to somebody who would enjoy them!  Len was made an Honorary Life Member of Our Club on June 29, 2005.

Len is survived by Iris, his devoted wife of over 59 years, daughter Susan and son Douglas and their families which include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rest in Peace Len, your Rotary Friends will miss a quiet, smiling "true friend."

Len and Iris Miller